The Queen of Masks [Sakura Haruno Story]

2

A figure appeared in the distance in front of the group, causing the genin to tense. Kakashi, however, knew it was useless, and decided to enlighten his students in that fact.

"Stand down. There's no point in trying to fight her. She's the Queen of Masks." Kakashi sighed. "The only chance we have of surviving is to let her do what she wants. Do not speak unless spoken to. Do not look her in the eyes. Show no sign of disrespect."

Sakura tilted her head. "Is she really that powerful?"

Kakashi nodded solemnly. "Yes. It's said that's she's the most powerful ninja to ever exist, she even rivals the power of the Sage of the Six Paths."

"So we're just going to roll over and surrender!?" Naruto's eyes narrowed. "I don't think so."

"Hn." Sasuke voiced his opinion.

Kakashi didn't answer, for the figure was nearing. He could make out the intricate blue and grey designs on her mask. She was wearing a dark blue and white cloak, with a long sword hanging from her waist. Her greyish blue hair was long in the front, but was short in the back.

Even the sound of wind chimes came to a stop as her steps halted in front of Sakura.

Eyes a similar colour to her hair peered though the eye holes in her mask at the young kunoichi looking up at her.

She crouched down until she was eye level with Sakura. Sakura's eyes like a field of green grass while the Queen's the colour of an oncoming storm.

Moving closer, the Queen continued to gaze curiously at Sakura.

"You..."

Her voice was soft and melodic, with a slight rasp to it, making it sound even more soulful.

Kakashi's eyes widened.

Part of the legend was that no one has ever heard her speak and lived to tell the story.

"What is your name, child?"

Sakura glanced at her Sensei with wide, frightened eyes, getting a minuscule nod in reply.

"Sakura Haruno." Sakura answered quietly.

There was a silence where the Queen's stormy blue eyes bore into Sakura's jade green ones.

"Sakura Haruno." The Queen repeated, standing up straight and walking in a circle around her, examining. Finally, she stopped back where she started, and crouched once again.

"Give me your hands, child."

Sakura obeyed immediately, placing her hands into the palms of the woman in front of her. Slender fingers wrapped around Sakura's hands. The Queen's fingers were cold, but it was a strangely nice feeling.

"Yes. You are the one. Great potential." The Queen mumbled mostly to herself, but fell silent once again, fingers tightening around Sakura's hands in a firm, but gentle way.

"Get away from Sakura, you hag!" Naruto roared as he suddenly charged forwards.

No one, not even Kakashi, was able to track the next movement, and suddenly the tip of the Queen's sword was poking Naruto's nose, and everything was still. But before long, the sound of wind chimes started again.

"I will be back, my student." The Queen whispered to Sakura before disappearing in a gust of wind.